Lottery win nets Magic No. 1 pick

Associated Press
Published May 27, 2004

The Magic, which finished with the worst record in the NBA at 21-61 this past season, will pick first in the June 24 draft thanks to winning the draft lottery.

"To come away with a big W for our franchise in a lean year is a huge, huge lift for us," said Magic senior vice president Pat Williams, who represented the team in Secaucus, N.J. The Clippers will pick second and the Bulls third. This is the third time Williams has won the No. 1 pick. In 1992, the Magic took Shaquille O'Neal. In 1993, they traded the pick, Chris Webber, to Golden State for the No. 3 pick, Penny Hardaway and three first-round picks. Connecticut center/power forward Emeka Okafor is the likely top pick.